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Sabbath Reform in the Last Days, Part 3

Duty to Present Unpopular Truth

Now as in former ages, the presentation of a truth that reproves
the sins and errors of the times will excite opposition. “Everyone practicing
evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be
exposed.” John 3:20. As men see that they cannot
maintain their position by the Scriptures, many determine to maintain it at all
hazards, and with a malicious spirit they assail the character and motives of
those who stand in defense of unpopular truth. It is the same policy which has
been pursued in all ages. Elijah was declared to be a troubler in Israel,
Jeremiah a traitor, Paul a polluter of the temple. From that day to this, those
who would be loyal to truth have been denounced as seditious, heretical, or
schismatic. Multitudes who are too unbelieving to accept the sure word of
prophecy will receive with unquestioning credulity an accusation against those
who dare to reprove fashionable sins. This spirit will increase more and more.
And the Bible plainly teaches that a time is approaching when the laws of the
state will so conflict with the law of God that whosoever would obey all the
divine precepts must brave reproach and punishment as an evildoer.

In view of this, what is the duty of the messenger of truth?
Shall he conclude that the truth ought not to be presented, since often its
only effect is to arouse men to evade or resist its claims? No; he has no more
reason for withholding the testimony of God’s word, because it excites
opposition, than had earlier Reformers. The confession of faith made by saints
and martyrs was recorded for the benefit of succeeding generations. Those
living examples of holiness and steadfast integrity have come down to inspire
courage in those who are now called to stand as witnesses for God. They
received grace and truth, not for themselves alone, but that, through them, the
knowledge of God might enlighten the earth. Has God given light to His servants
in this generation? Then they should let it shine forth to the world.

Anciently the Lord declared to one who spoke in His name: “The
house of Israel will not listen to you, because they will not listen to Me.”
Nevertheless He said: “You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or
whether they refuse.” Ezekiel 3:7; 2:7. To the servant
of God at this time is the command addressed: “Lift up your voice like a
trumpet; tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their
sins.” Isaiah 58:1.

So far as his opportunities extend, everyone who has received
the light of truth is under the same solemn and fearful responsibility as was
the prophet of Israel, to whom the word of the Lord came, saying: “Son of man:
I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a
word from My mouth and warn them for Me. When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked
man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his
way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at
your hand. Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he
does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have
delivered your soul.” Ezekiel 33:7-9.

The great obstacle both to the acceptance and to the
promulgation of truth is the fact that it involves inconvenience and reproach.
This is the only argument against the truth which its advocates have never been
able to refute. But this does not deter the true followers of Christ. These do
not wait for truth to become popular. Being convinced of their duty, they
deliberately accept the cross, with the apostle Paul counting that “our light
affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory;” with one of old, “esteeming the reproach of
Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt.” 2
Corinthians 4:17; Hebrews 11:26.

Whatever may be their profession, it is only those who are world
servers at heart that act from policy rather than principle in religious
things. We should choose the right because it is right, and leave consequences
with God. To men of principle, faith, and daring, the world is indebted for its
great reforms. By such men the work of reform for this time must be carried
forward.

Thus saith the Lord: “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness,
you people in whose heart is My law: do not fear the reproach of men, nor be
afraid of their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the
worm will eat them like wool; but My righteousness will be forever, and My
salvation from generation to generation.” Isaiah 51:7, 8.